If you’re searching for an excellent stargazing spot in Japan, you’ve come to the right place. Nestled in the Japanese Alps in southwestern Nagano Prefecture lies Achi Village, known for its offerings in onsen, skiing, and above all, stargazing.
Far from any big cities, Achi’s dark sky has helped make it one of the most popular places in Japan to see the stars, attracting more than 100,000 visitors each year.
Stargazing
Photo by: PIXTA/ satoppppy A view unlike any other.
In 2006, Japan’s Ministry of Environment recognized Achi as the top place in Japan for observing stars. Since then, Achi has opened designated stargazing facilities and been offering special stargazing tours.
The main stargazing facility is Star Village Achi, located atop a mountain in the ski resort Fujimidai Highlands Heavens Sonohora. This facility offers three different tours a year based on the season. A ropeway stretches from the mountain’s base to the 1400-meter high peak and can be accessed from 5:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m., ensuring visitors are at the top before the show starts.
At the top is Star Village Achi, which consists of a wide-open area with telescopes and a cosmic-themed restaurant and gift shop. At 8 p.m. the lights are turned off and visitors are treated to a 30-minute sky show that utilizes lasers to explain the stars and constellations visible in that season.
Another stargazing spot with a different atmosphere is Namiai Starry Sky Park. This forest park was opened in 2018 and includes a campground, bakery, observation deck and educational rooms. The tours at this park are more likely to offer shows in English, and the shows are more educational in nature, going deeper into explaining different stars and constellations.
Onsen and Nature
Photo by: PIXTA/ Ran Springtime in Achi Village.
Achi is also home to Hirugami Hot Springs, a hot spring resort area with more than 20 hot springs, hotels, and ryokan, as well as a popular morning market. Hirugami is a rather new onsen town, with hot springs that were discovered only about 50 years ago. The high alkaline concentration of this newly discovered hot spring water is supposed to soothe the muscles and smoothen the skin. Many accommodations in Hirugami offer accommodation packages that include tickets and a shuttle bus to a stargazing tour.
Skiing and other winter sports are another major draw to Achi. There is, of course, the Heavens Sonohora ski resort, as well as the Jibuzaka Kogen ski area. These two places are guaranteed to have plenty of snow for those hitting the slopes in winter, but also offer views of flowers in spring and autumn colors, not to mention a spectacular mountain panorama in every season.
